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United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2002
Pledge Protection Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal judicial code to deny jurisdiction to any court established by Act of Congress to hear or determine any claim that the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance violates the first amendment of the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2002- Extends Federal recognition to: (1) the Chickahominy Indian Tribe of Virginia; (2) the Chickahominy Indian Tribe - Eastern Division of Virginia; (3) the Upper Mattaponi Tribe of Virginia; (4) the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc., of Virginia; (5) the Monacan Tribe of Virginia; and (6) the Nansemond Tribe of Virginia. Sets forth the service areas of the various Tribes and requirements for the Tribes with respect to submission of a membership roll, adoption of a constitution, and election of officials. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, upon certain land transfers, to take specified lands into trust for the various Tribes' benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that it is not an establishment of religion for teachers in a public school to recite, or to lead willing students in the recitation of, the following pledge: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2002
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the first amendment to the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that a reference to God in the Pledge of Allegiance or on U.S. currency shall not be construed as affecting the establishment of religion under the first article of the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the first article of amendment to the U.S. Constitution shall not be construed to prohibit the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2002
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in schools, including the phrase `One Nation Under God', is constitutional under the First Amendment to the Constitution; and (2) the Supreme Court, accordingly, should uphold the constitutionality of such practices.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2002
Expresses concern about the efforts by Kazakhstan's President Nazarbaev to remain in power indefinitely and his willingness to manipulate constitutions, elections, and legislative and judicial systems to do so. Urges: (1) the President of the United States and other U.S. officials to make a stronger effort to raise with President Nazarbaev concern about serious human rights violations; and (2) President Nazarbaev to bring Kazakhstan into compliance with Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe commitments on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law by ensuring free and fair elections and allowing all citizens to participate equally in the political process, without intimidation or fear of reprisal. Calls on the Government of Kazakstan to make possible the return of exiled political leaders, most notably former Prime Minister Kazhegelden, as well as other activists and journalists. Expresses support for independent organizations which are qualified to review the Constitution of Kazakhstan and recommend amendments which would protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Calls on President Nazarbaev to establish conditions for independent and opposition media to function without constraint, limitation, or fear of harassment. Urges the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Incorporated, to expand broadcasting into Kazakhstan.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2002
Commends the Republic of Croatia for its progress during the past decade and encourages its democratic orientation and further strengthening of respect for human rights, the rule of law, and the free market. Expresses support for Croatia's aspirations to become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), welcomes and acknowledges the importance of its commitment to the reforms required for NATO membership, and congratulates it on its acceptance into the Membership Action Plan at the NATO Ministerial in Reykjavik, Iceland. Encourages Croatia's continued contributions in bringing peace, stability, and prosperity to South Central Europe and its cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Recognizes the important role of the Croatian-American community in supporting the strengthening of bilateral relations between the United States and Croatia.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2002
Access for Afghan Women Act - Directs the United States to undertake a variety of measures to guard and enhance the quality of life of Afghan women, including: (1) incorporating the perspectives and advice of Afghan women's organizations and leaders in U.S. policymaking related to the governance of Afghanistan; (2) promoting the inclusion of a significant number of women in the Loya Jirga and future legislative bodies to ensure that women's human rights are included in any constitution for Afghanistan; (3) ensuring a significant portion of U.S. assistance is channeled to local and U.S.-based Afghan organizations, particularly Afghan women's organizations, and to high-quality comprehensive health care programs and education and training programs in Afghanistan; (4) training on the protection, rights, and the particular needs of women with respect to training for military and police forces in Afghanistan; and (5) ensuring that women refugees and those internally displaced in camps, urban areas, and villages are receiving food aid, health and medical services, and are free from sexual exploitation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2002
See summary of: H.J.Res. 41
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2002
Congratulates: (1) the Government and people of Colombia for the successful completion of democratic elections held on May 26, 2002; (2) President-elect Alvaro Uribe Velez and Vice President-elect Francisco Santos Calderon; and (3) Colombian President Andres Pastrana for his commitment to democracy. Commends all Colombian citizens and political parties for working together to take risks for democracy, to pursue national reconciliation, and to strengthen democratic traditions. Supports Colombian attempts to: (1) ensure democracy, national reconciliation, and economic prosperity; (2) support human rights and the rule of law; and (3) abide by all the essential elements of representative democracy. Encourages such Government and people to continue: (1) their struggle against narcotics and terrorism; and (2) to promote the professionalism of the Colombian Armed Forces and National Police and judicial and legal reforms. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to encouraging and supporting democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and peaceful development throughout the Americas.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2002
Sets forth the rule (modified closed) for the consideration of H.J. Res. 96 (tax limitation constitutional amendment).
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2002
See summary of: H.J.Res. 41
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2002
Prohibits the use of funds appropriated to the Department of Justice or any other agency from being used to file any brief or to otherwise advocate before any judicial or administrative body any position regarding the meaning of the Second Amendment to the Constitution (right to bear arms) that is inconsistent with existing Supreme Court precedent.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2002
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. States that neither this Constitution or the constitution of any State, nor State or federal law, shall be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2002
Congratulates and honors the courageous people of East Timor and their leaders. Supports the efforts of United Nations and international organizations to support reconstruction and development in East Timor, and of UN and international peacekeeping forces to safeguard East Timor's security, including continuing periodic visits by U.S. military forces. Expresses concern about specified matters relating to East Timorese refugees in West Timor, and the lack of justice in the region. Urges the President and the Secretary of State to: (1) extend immediately to East Timor the diplomatic relations afforded to other sovereign nations, including a U.S. embassy in East Timor; (2) maintain a level of U.S. assistance for East Timor; (3) work to fund East Timor's financing gap in its recurrent and development budgets; (4) focus bilateral assistance for East Timor on specified areas; (5) strongly urge the Indonesian Government to step up efforts to disarm and disband all militia, hold them accountable to the rule of law, ensure stability along the border, and promptly reunite East Timorese children separated from their parents through coercion or force; and (6) review thoroughly information from the East Timorese Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation, and use all diplomatic resources at their disposal to ensure that those officials responsible for crimes against humanity and war crimes against the East Timorese people are held accountable, and that the Indonesian Government fully cooperates with the East Timorese judicial system.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2002
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency; (2) Department of Defense; (3) Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) National Security Agency; (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, the Treasury, and Energy; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation; (8) National Reconnaissance Office; (9) National Imagery and Mapping Agency; and (10) Coast Guard. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2003, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations. Allows the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 2003 (by not more than two percent) when necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions. Authorizes appropriations for the Community Management Account of the Director of Central Intelligence for FY 2003 as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds for the National Drug Intelligence Center. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to require the budget justification materials submitted to Congress for a fiscal year to set forth separate aggregate amounts requested for the National Foreign Intelligence Program for: (1) counterterrorism; (2) counterproliferation; (3) counternarcotics; and (4) counterintelligence. Requires the DCI to establish and maintain a Foreign Terrorist Asset Tracking Center and a Terrorist Identification Classification System. Counterintelligence Enhancement Act of 2002 - Establishes the National Counterintelligence Executive. Establishes the National Commission for the Review of the Research and Development Programs of the United States Intelligence Community.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2002
Congratulates the people and leaders of East Timor. Expresses support for: (1) United Nations (UN) and other multilateral efforts to support reconstruction and development in East Timor; and (2) UN and other multilateral peacekeeping forces safeguarding East Timor's security. Expresses concern about specified matters relating to East Timorese refugees in West Timor and the lack of justice in the region. Urges the President to: (1) extend diplomatic relations to and establish an embassy in East Timor; (2) maintain a robust level of U.S. assistance for East Timor; (3) work to fund East Timor's financing gap in its recurrent and development budgets; (4) focus bilateral assistance on specified areas; (5) urge the Indonesian Government to step up efforts to disarm and disband all militia, hold them accountable to the rule of law, ensure stability along the border, and promptly reunite East Timorese children separated from their parents through coercion or force; and (6) review information from the East Timorese Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation and use all diplomatic resources to ensure that officials responsible for crimes against humanity and war crimes against the East Timorese people are held accountable and that the Indonesian Government cooperates with the East Timorese judicial system.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2002
Commends the Republic of Croatia for its progress during the past decade and encourages its democratic orientation and further strengthening of respect for human rights, the rule of law, and the free market. Expresses support for Croatia's aspirations to become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and recommends its acceptance into the Membership Action Plan at the NATO Ministerial in Reykjavik, Iceland, in May 2002. Encourages Croatia's contributions in bringing peace, stability, and prosperity to the South Central Europe region, including its cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Recognizes the important role of the Croatian-American community in supporting the strengthening of bilateral relations between the United States and Croatia.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2002
Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of violent crime the rights: (1) to reasonable and timely notice of any public proceeding involving the crime and of any release or escape of the accused; (2) to not be excluded from such public proceeding and reasonably to be heard at public release, plea, sentencing, reprieve, and pardon proceedings; and (3) to adjudicative decisions that consider the victim's safety, interest in avoiding unreasonable delay, and just and timely claims to restitution from the offender. Prohibits any restriction of such rights except as dictated by a substantial interest in public safety or the administration of criminal justice, or by compelling necessity.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2002
Celebrates the 50th anniversary of the constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2002
Preservation of Civil Rights Protections Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Arbitration Act to exclude all employment contracts from arbitration provisions (current law excludes employment contracts of seamen, railroad employees, or any other class of workers engaged in foreign or interstate commerce). Makes clauses in employment contracts that require arbitration of a dispute arising under the Constitution or U.S. laws unenforceable, with exceptions: (1) where the parties knowingly and voluntarily consent to submit a dispute to arbitration after the dispute arises; and (2) with regard to an employee or union enforcing any rights or terms of a valid collective bargaining agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2002
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency; (2) Department of Defense; (3) Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) National Security Agency; (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, the Treasury, and Energy; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation; (8) National Reconnaissance Office; (9) National Imagery and Mapping Agency; and (10) Coast Guard. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2003, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the President. Allows the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 2003 (by not more than two percent) when necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification of the congressional intelligence committees. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY 2003, as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the DCI should continue to direct that elements of the intelligence community should competitively award contracts in a manner that maximizes the procurement of products properly designated as having been made in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2002
Workers' Bill of Rights - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to add provisions relating to: (1) an employer's recognition of a labor organization as representative of workers for collective bargaining and other purposes; (2) limitation on dues collection; (3) membership right to vote on a contract before a strike is called; (4) penalties for causing recognition of an unelected labor organization; (5) secret ballot election; (6) the lifting of a bar against an election once an existing contract has been in effect for one year or more; (7) majority deauthorization of union security agreements; and (8) enforcement of limits on dues agreements. Amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to include coverage of employers, or groups or associations of employers, that receive Federal funds. Gives employees who are not union members, but who are core dues payers, the same right as any union member to participate in any vote that concerns a strike or wages, benefits, or working conditions. Revises provisions relating to availability of information. Allows a trusteeship (for authorization control of a union) to be authorized only after a fair hearing either before the executive board or another body provided by the constitution and bylaws of the labor organization. Requires a labor organization to show by clear and convincing proof that the continuation of the trusteeship is necessary for an allowable purpose. Amends the Clayton Act to provide that nothing shall make it lawful for any two or more labor organizations to enter into an agreement that restrains an employee's ability to select a collecting bargaining representative.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2002
See summary of: H.J.Res. 85
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2002
Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of violent crime the rights: (1) to reasonable and timely notice of any public proceeding involving the crime and of any release or escape of the accused; (2) to not be excluded from such public proceeding and reasonably to be heard at public release, plea, sentencing, reprieve, and pardon proceedings; and (3) to adjudicative decisions that consider the victim's safety, interest in avoiding unreasonable delay, and just and timely claims to restitution from the offender. Prohibits any restriction of such rights except as dictated by a substantial interest in public safety or the administration of criminal justice, or by compelling necessity.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2002
Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of violent crime the rights: (1) to reasonable and timely notice of any public proceeding involving the crime and of any release or escape of the accused; (2) to not be excluded from such public proceeding and reasonably to be heard at public release, plea, sentencing, reprieve, and pardon proceedings; and (3) to adjudicative decisions that consider the victim's safety, interest in avoiding unreasonable delay, and just and timely claims to restitution from the offender. Prohibits any restriction of such rights except as dictated by a substantial interest in public safety or the administration of criminal justice, or by compelling necessity.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2002
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of each House. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2002
Expresses Congress' heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the courageous people of Iran for their brave expressions of support following the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Recognizes and supports the people of Iran in their daily struggle for democracy, reform, human rights, economic prosperity, and the rule of law. Urges the President to: (1) support the Iranian people and their legitimate aspiration for freedom and democracy; (2) continue to pursue areas of common interest with the Iranian people while taking an uncompromising stance on terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and human rights of Iranian citizens; and (3) use all diplomatic means to support the Iranian people's demand for an immediate release of all political prisoners and for removal of the ban on freedom of the press.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002
Amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to authorize the Secretary of Labor, upon finding a violation of specified reporting and disclosure requirements (regarding constitution and bylaws, financial reports, securities, reports of the employer, and trusteeships), to require the person, labor organization or employer responsible to pay a civil money penalty in an amount determined under a schedule that takes into account the nature of the violation involved, the existence of previous violations, and the responsible entity's revenues. Prohibits the Secretary from making any determination adverse to a person, labor organization, or employer until such person or entity has been given written notice and an opportunity to be heard. Specifies review procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002
Expresses the sense of Congress that reinstating the military draft or implementing any other form of compulsory military service in the United States would be detrimental to U.S. long-term interests, violative of individual liberties protected by the Constitution, and inconsistent with the values underlying a free society as expressed in the Declaration of Independence.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2002
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts (except those derived from borrowing or from any surplus within the Federal Old-Age and Survivors and Disability Insurance Trust Funds) for that fiscal year unless the Congress, by a three- fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a budget which conforms to this article's requirements to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Authorizes Congress to waive these provisions, solely to the extent necessary for additional military funding, when: (1) a declaration of war is in effect; or (2) the United States is engaged in a military conflict which poses a threat to national security as declared by a joint resolution adopted by three-fifths of the whole number of each House. Makes this article effective beginning with FY 2008 or the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2002
Second Amendment Preservation Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) limit the plaintiff's attorney fees in connection with the settlement or adjudication of a civil action brought to curtail the sale or availability of firearms for legal purposes to the lesser of $150 per hour plus actual expenses or ten percent of the amount that the plaintiff receives; and (2) require the plaintiff to reimburse the defendant for reasonable attorney's fees and court costs if the court finds that the defendant is not wholly or primarily liable, unless special circumstances make such reimbursement unjust. Defines such action as one brought against a firearms manufacturer, importer, or dealer seeking damages in excess of $1 million or 50 percent of the defendant's net assets and seeking to hold such defendant liable for damages caused by the unlawful or tortious use of a firearm by a person not employed by or affiliated with the defendant. Makes any court decision that the Constitution does not confer on Congress the power to enact this Act directly appealable to the Supreme Court.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2002
Expressing the strong support of the Senate for the democratically elected Government of Columbia and the Columbian people regarding the continued attacks on democracy and the rule of law in the country resulting from terrorism and the scourge of illicit narcotics.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2002
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United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2002
Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians Federal Recognition Act - Extends Federal recognition to the Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians. Makes the Gabrieleno eligible for future services and benefits accompanying Federal recognition without regard to the existence of a reservation or a member's residence. Sets forth requirements for the Tribe with respect to submission of a membership roll, adoption of a constitution, and election of a governing body. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, if the Tribe transfers rights to its aboriginal lands to the Secretary within 25 years after this Act's enactment, to take such land into trust for the Tribe's benefit. Prohibits gaming, as regulated by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, on trust lands.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2002
Urges General Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan to repeal: (1) the Blasphemy Law; (2) Martial Ordinance XX; and (3) the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan declaring Ahmadis "not Muslims" under the law. Appeals to General Musharraf to release prisoners jailed under Ordinance XX and the Blasphemy Law. Encourages the General to eliminate the requirement to declare one's religion when applying for a passport or swear to exclusive statements regarding religion, admission to an educational institution, obtaining the national identity card, or employment. Calls upon the President and the Secretary of State to: (1) raise violations of the freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief, at every appropriate level with representatives of the Government of Pakistan; and (2) include experts on religious liberty on U.S. delegations to Pakistan and to appropriate regional and international meetings.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2002
Expresses support for the efforts of the Ukrainian people to promote democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights in Ukraine. Urges the Government of Ukraine to: (1) enforce impartially the Law on Elections of People's Deputies of Ukraine, signed by President Leonid Kuchma on October 30, 2001; and (2) meet its commitments on democratic elections, as delineated in the 1990 Copenhagen Document of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), with respect to the campaign period and election day; and (3) address issues identified by the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of OSCE in its final report on the 1999 presidential election, such as state interference in the campaign and pressure on the media. Calls upon the Ukrainian Government to allow election monitors from the ODIHR, other participating OSCE states, and foreign and domestic private institutions and organizations full access to all aspects of the parliamentary election process.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2002
Expresses support for the efforts of the Ukrainian people to promote democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights in Ukraine. Urges the Government of Ukraine to: (1) enforce impartially the Law on Elections of People's Deputies of Ukraine, signed by President Leonid Kuchma on October 30, 2001; and (2) meet its commitments on democratic elections, as delineated in the 1990 Copenhagen Document of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), with respect to the campaign period and election day; and (3) address issues identified by the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of OSCE in its final report on the 1999 presidential election, such as state interference in the campaign and pressure on the media. Calls upon the Ukrainian Government to allow election monitors from the ODIHR, other participating OSCE states, and foreign and domestic private institutions and organizations full access to all aspects of the parliamentary election process.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that if at any time 50 percent or more of the Members of the House of Representatives are unable to carry out their duties because of death or incapacity, each Governor of a State represented by such a Member shall appoint a qualified individual to take the Member's place as soon as practicable, but no later than seven days, after certification of the Member's death or incapacity. Requires an individual appointed to take the place of the Member to: (1) be a Member of the same political party as the Member who is being replaced; and (2) serve until a Member is elected to fill the vacancy by a special election to be held at any time during the 90-day period which begins on the date of the individual's appointment, in accordance with the applicable election laws of the State involved. Declares, however, that if a regularly scheduled general election for the office will be held during such period or 30 days thereafter, no special election shall be held and the Member elected in such regularly scheduled general election shall fill the vacancy upon election. Allows such appointed individual to be a candidate in such a special election or in such a regularly scheduled general election.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Constitutional Amendment - Permits prayer and recognition of religious beliefs on public property, including schools.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2001
Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes Congress by law to provide for the appointment of temporary members of the House of Representatives to serve during any period in which 30 percent of more of the seats of the House are vacant due to death or resignation. Allows a temporary appointed member to serve until a member is elected to fill the vacancy in accordance with the applicable laws regarding special elections in the State involved.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a portion of the humanitarian assistance provided to Afghanistan should be targeted to Afghan women; (2) Afghan women from all ethnic groups should be permitted to participate in the economic and political reconstruction of Afghanistan; and (3) any constitution or legal structure of a reconstructed Afghanistan should guarantee the human and political rights of Afghan women.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2001
Access for Afghan Women Act of 2001 - Directs the United States to undertake a variety of measures to guard and enhance the quality of life of Afghan and other Central Asian women, including the following: (1) incorporating the perspectives of women's and human rights organizations in matters related to peace and the future governance of Afghanistan; (2) including significant numbers of women in drafting a new constitution for Afghanistan; (3) providing funding for education for all Afghans; (4) increasing Central Asian women's access to and ownership of productive assets and property; (5) providing funding for women-centered economic development programs in Central Asia; (6) assuring the safety and health of female Central Asian refugees; and (7) including women in peacekeeping and peace building measures in Central Asia. Defines Central Asia as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2001
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a portion of the humanitarian assistance provided to Afghanistan should be targeted to Afghan women; (2) Afghan women from all ethnic groups should be permitted to participate in the economic and political reconstruction of Afghanistan; and (3) any constitution or legal structure of a reconstructed Afghanistan should guarantee the human and political rights of Afghan women.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2001
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that all U.S. citizens who are eighteen years of age or older shall have the right to vote in any public election held in the jurisdiction in which the citizen resides. Requires each State to: (1) administer public elections in the State in accordance with election performance standards established by the Congress; and (2) provide any eligible voter the opportunity to register and vote on the day of any public election. Requires each State and the District of Columbia to establish and abide by rules for appointing its respective number of Electors.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Intellectual Property Protection Restoration Act of 2001 - Amends Federal patent law to prohibit the award of remedies in civil actions brought for infringement of a patent issued on or after January 1, 2002, if a State or State instrumentality is or was at any time the legal or beneficial owner of such patent, except upon proof that by the date the infringement commenced (or January 1, 2004, whichever is later) the State has waived its immunity from suit in Federal court for any infringement of intellectual property protected under Federal law. Exempts patents from such limitation if it would materially and adversely affect a legitimate contract-based expectation in existence before January 1, 2002, or the party seeking remedies was a bona fide purchaser for value of the patent, and, at the time of the purchase, did not know and was reasonably without cause to believe that a State or State instrumentality was once the legal or beneficial owner of the patent. Amends Federal copyright law and the Trademark Act of 1946 to apply the same condition of State waiver of immunity to suit under Federal law to the award of remedies in any civil action brought under such laws where a State or State instrumentality is or was at any time the legal or beneficial owner of the copyright or trademark involved. Provides that in actions against an officer or employee of a State or its instrumentality for violations of provisions of Federal copyright or patent laws, the U.S. Code, the Trademark Act of 1946, or the Plant Variety Protection Act, remedies shall be available against such individual in the same manner and to the same extent as they available in an action against a private individual under like circumstances. Imposes liability on States for violations of the fifth or fourteenth amendment of the U.S. Constitution (takings or due process violations) involving intellectual property under such Federal laws.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2001
Intellectual Property Protection Restoration Act of 2001 - Amends Federal patent law to prohibit the award of remedies in civil actions brought for infringement of a patent issued on or after January 1, 2002, if a State or State instrumentality is or was at any time the legal or beneficial owner of such patent, except upon proof that by the date the infringement commenced (or January 1, 2004, whichever is later) the State has waived its immunity from suit in Federal court for any infringement of intellectual property protected under Federal law. Exempts patents from such limitation if it would materially and adversely affect a legitimate contract-based expectation in existence before January 1, 2002, or the party seeking remedies was a bona fide purchaser for value of the patent, and, at the time of the purchase, did not know and was reasonably without cause to believe that a State or State instrumentality was once the legal or beneficial owner of the patent. Amends Federal copyright law and the Trademark Act of 1946 to apply the same condition of State waiver of immunity to suit under Federal law to the award of remedies in any civil action brought under such laws where a State or State instrumentality is or was at any time the legal or beneficial owner of the copyright or trademark involved. Provides that in actions against an officer or employee of a State or its instrumentality for violations of provisions of Federal copyright or patent laws, the U.S. Code, the Trademark Act of 1946, or the Plant Variety Protection Act, remedies shall be available against such individual in the same manner and to the same extent as they available in an action against a private individual under like circumstances. Imposes liability on States for violations of the fifth or fourteenth amendment of the U.S. Constitution (takings or due process violations) involving intellectual property under such Federal laws.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2001
Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT ACT) Act of 2001 - Establishes a counterterrorism fund. Condemns discrimination against Arab and Muslim Americans. Increases funding for the technical support center at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Authorizes the Attorney General to request military assistance to enforce laws related to any weapon of mass destruction. Requires the Director of the U.S. Secret Service to develop a national electronic crime task force. Grants the President authority to confiscate any property of any foreign person, country, or organization involved with an attack on or armed hostilities with the United States. Amends Federal criminal law to provide for authority to intercept wire, oral, and electronic communications relating to computer fraud and abuse offenses. Permits disclosure to specified Federal personnel of Federal grand jury matters pertaining to intelligence or counterintelligence. Allows sharing of electronic, wire, and oral interception information by Federal law enforcement and other specified Federal officials. Permits the similar sharing of foreign intelligence information. Requires the FBI Director to expedite the hiring of translators to support counterterrorism investigations and operations. Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 with respect to roving surveillance authority and duration of surveillance of non-U.S. persons who are agents of a foreign power. Permits the seizure of voice mail messages pursuant to search warrants. Allows subpoenas for records of electronic communications to include temporarily assigned network addresses. Permits electronic communication and remote computing service providers to make emergency disclosures to a governmental entity of customer electronic communications to protect life and limb. Authorizes Federal district courts to allow a delay of required notices of the execution of a warrant if immediate notice may have an adverse result. Prohibits use of a pen register or trap and trace devices in any investigation to protect against international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities that is conducted solely on the basis of activities protected by the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Authorizes the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (or designee) to apply for an court order requiring production of certain business records for foreign intelligence and international terrorism investigations. Amends Federal criminal law to: (1) require a trap and trace device to restrict recording or decoding so as not to include the contents of a wire or electronic communication; (2) apply a court order for a pen register or trap and trace devices to any person or entity providing wire or electronic communication service in the United States whose assistance may facilitate execution of the order; (3) allow a trap and trace device to identify the source (but not the contents) of a wire or electronic communication; and (4) provide for nationwide service of search warrants for electronic evidence. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to extend trade sanctions to the territory of Afghanistan controlled by the Taliban. Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for administrative discipline of Federal officers or employees who violate prohibitions against unauthorized disclosures of information gathered under this Act. Provides for civil actions against the United States for damages by any person aggrieved by such violations. Terminates specified provisions of this Act on December 31, 2005. International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 - Sunsets this Act after the first day of FY2005 if Congress enacts specified legislation to that effect. Prescribes special measures for jurisdictions, financial institutions, or international transactions of primary money laundering concern, including a proscription against United States correspondent accounts with foreign shell banks. Establishes Federal jurisdiction over foreign money launderers, money that is laundered through a foreign bank, and foreign and domestic bank records related to anti-money laundering programs. Provides for forfeiture of money laundering funds in U.S. interbank accounts. Authorizes Federal application for restraining orders to preserve the availability of property subject to a foreign forfeiture or confiscation judgment. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations to ensure that concentration accounts of financial institutions are not used to prevent association of the identity of an individual customer with the movement of funds of which the customer is the direct or beneficial owner. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations prescribing minimum standards for financial institutions regarding customer identity in connection with the opening of accounts. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require consideration of the effectiveness of a company or companies in combating money laundering during reviews of proposed bank shares acquisitions or mergers. Urges U.S. negotiations for international cooperation in investigations of money laundering, financial crimes, and the finances of terrorist groups. Establishes civil liability immunity for disclosures by a financial institution that reports suspicious activities. Mandates that financial institutions institute anti-money laundering programs. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize the inclusion of suspicions of illegal activity in written employment references . Mandates that securities brokers and dealers report suspicious financial transactions. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to share monetary instruments transactions records with any U.S. intelligence agency upon request. Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require a consumer reporting agency to furnish all information in a consumer's file to a government agency authorized to conduct investigations of or intelligence activities related to international terrorism. Places within the ambit of mandatory records and reports on monetary instruments transactions any person who engages as a business in the transmission of funds, including through an informal value transfer banking system or network (e.g., hawala) of people facilitating the transfer of value domestically or internationally outside of the conventional financial institutions system. Makes the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network a bureau in the Department of the Treasury. Directs the Secretary to establish a highly secure network in the Network that allows financial institutions to file certain reports and receive alerts and other information regarding suspicious activities warranting immediate and enhanced scrutiny. Increases the civil and criminal penalties for money laundering. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to provide for uniform protection authority for Federal Reserve facilities, including law enforcement officers authorized to carry firearms and make warrantless arrests. Amends Federal law to require reports relating to coins and currency of more than $10,000 received in a nonfinancial trade or business. Establishes as a bulk cash smuggling offense the knowing concealment and attempted transport (or transfer) across U.S. borders of currency and monetary instruments in excess of $10,000, with intent to evade specified currency reporting requirements. Requires courts to order, as part of a criminal sentence, forfeiture of all property involved in certain currency reporting offenses. Amends the Federal criminal code to revise the prohibition of unlicensed (currently, illegal) money transmitting businesses. Increases the criminal penalties for counterfeiting domestic and foreign currency and obligations. Authorizes: (1) the Attorney General to waive certain Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) personnel caps with respect to ensuring security needs on the Northern U.S. border; and (2) appropriations for increased Border Patrol, Customs Service, and INS personnel along such border. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the Attorney General and the FBI to provide the Department of State and the INS with access to specified criminal history extracts in order to determine whether or not a visa or admissions applicant has a criminal history. Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of State to develop a technology standard to identify visa and admissions applicants. Broadens the scope of aliens ineligible for admission and deportable for terrorist activities. Defines "terrorist organization" as: (1) a designated foreign or other terrorist organization; or (2) a group of two or more individuals which engage in specified terrorist-related activities. Provides for mandatory detention until removal from the United States (regardless of any relief from removal) of an alien certified by the Attorney General as a suspected terrorist or threat to national security. Requires release of such alien after seven days if removal proceedings have not commenced, or the alien has not been charged with a criminal offense. Authorizes detention for additional periods of up to six months of an alien not likely to be deported in the reasonably foreseeable future only if release will threaten U.S. national security or the safety of the community or any person. Limits judicial review to habeas corpus proceedings in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of State, in developing the integrated entry and exit data system, to focus on the use of biometric technology and the development of tamper-resistant documents readable at ports of entry. Directs the Attorney General to implement fully and expand the foreign student monitoring program. Requires audits and reports on implementation of the mandate for machine readable passports. Provides for: (1) special immigrant status for certain alien victims of terrorist activities; and (2) humanitarian relief for certain surviving alien spouses and children of U.S. citizens killed by such activities. (Excludes terrorists or family members from such benefits.) Authorizes the Attorney General and revises the Secretary of State's authority to pay rewards to combat terrorism. Qualifies a Federal terrorism offense for collection of DNA for identification Authorizes consultation among Federal law enforcement officers regarding information acquired from an electronic surveillance or physical search in terrorism and related investigations or protective measures. Allows the FBI to request telephone toll and transactional records, financial records, and consumer reports in any investigation to protect against international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities only if the investigation is not conducted solely on the basis of activities protected by the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Revises U.S. Secret Service jurisdiction with respect to fraud and related activity in connection with computers. Amends the General Education Provisions Act and the National Education Statistics Act of 1994 to provide for disclosure of educational records to the Attorney General in a terrorism investigation or prosecution. Provides for expedited payments for: (1) public safety officers involved in the prevention, investigation, rescue, or recovery efforts related to a terrorist attack; and (2) heroic public safety officers. Increases Public Safety Officers Benefit Program payments. Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to establish an antiterrorism emergency reserve in the Victims of Crime Fund. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Victims of Crime to make supplemental grants for victims of terrorism to States, victim service organizations, public agencies, and nongovernmental organizations the provide assistance to crime victims. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend Bureau of Justice Assistance regional information sharing system grants to systems that enhance the investigation and prosecution abilities of participating Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies in addressing multi-jurisdictional terrorist conspiracies and activities. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criminal penalties for terrorist attacks and other acts of violence against mass transportation systems. Prescribes penalties for harboring any person known to have committed or to be about to commit a terrorism offense. Establishes Federal jurisdiction over crimes committed at U.S. facilities abroad. Subjects to civil forfeiture all assets, foreign or domestic, of terrorist organizations. Extends the statute of limitations for certain terrorism offenses without limit. Provides for alternative maximum penalties for terrorism crimes. Makes the penalties for attempts and conspiracies the same as the penalties for terrorism offenses. Makes any term of years or life the supervised release terms for offenses with terrorism predicates. Makes specified terrorism crimes Racketeer Influenced And Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute predicates. Revises prohibitions and penalties with regard to fraud and related activity in connection with computers to include specified cyberterrorism offenses. Directs the Attorney General to establish regional computer forensic laboratories, and support existing laboratories, to develop specified cybersecurity capabilities. Prescribes penalties for knowing possession in certain circumstances of biological agents, toxins, or delivery systems, especially by certain restricted persons. Requires the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) to establish requirements and priorities for foreign intelligence collected under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, and to provide assistance to the Attorney General to ensure that information derived from electronic surveillance or physical searches is disseminated for efficient and effective foreign intelligence purposes. Requires the inclusion of international terrorist activities within the scope of foreign intelligence under such Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that officers and employees of the intelligence community should establish and maintain intelligence relationships to acquire information on terrorists and terrorist organizations. Provides temporary authority to defer the submission to Congress of certain reports on intelligence and intelligence-related matters. Requires the Attorney General or head of any other Federal department or agency to disclose expeditiously to the DCI any foreign intelligence acquired in the course of a criminal investigation. Requires the Attorney General, DCI, and Secretary of the Treasury to report jointly to Congress on the feasibility and desirability of reconfiguring the Foreign Asset Tracking Center and the Office of Foreign Assets Control to provide for the analysis and dissemination of foreign intelligence relating to the financial capabilities and resources of international terrorist organizations. Requires the DCI to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the establishment and maintenance of the National Virtual Translation Center for timely and accurate translations of foreign intelligence for elements of the intelligence community. Requires the Attorney General to provide a program of training to Government officials regarding the identification and use of foreign intelligence. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Justice to designate one official to review allegations of abuse of civil rights, civil liberties, and racial and ethnic profiling by government employees and officials. Expresses the sense of Congress condemning acts of violence or discrimination against any American, including Sikh-Americans. Amends the Federal criminal code with respect to venue in money laundering cases. First Responders Assistance Act - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to State and local governments to improve the ability of State and local law enforcement, fire department, and first responders to respond to and prevent acts of terrorism. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make inadmissible to the United States any alien engaged in money laundering. Authorizes funds for Drug Enforcement Administration police training in South and Central Asia. Directs the Attorney General to conduct a feasibility study on the use of a biometric identifier scanning system with access to the FBI integrated automated fingerprint identification system at overseas consular posts and points of entry to the United States. Authorizes the use of Department of Defense funds to contract with local and State governments, during the period of Operation Enduring Freedom, for the performance of security functions at U.S. military installations. Crimes Against Charitable Americans Act of 2001 - Amends the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act to cover fraudulent charitable solicitations. Amends the Federal transportation code to prohibit States from licensing any individual to operate a motor vehicle transporting hazardous material unless the Secretary of Transportation determines that such individual does not pose a security risk warranting denial of the license. Requires background checks of such license applicants by the Attorney General upon State request. Expresses the sense of the Senate on substantial new U.S. investment in bioterrorism preparedness and response. Directs the Office for State and Local Domestic Preparedness Support of the Office of Justice Programs to make grants to enhance State and local capability to prepare for and respond to terrorist acts. Amends the Crime Identification Technology Act of 1998 to extend it through FY 2007 and provide for antiterrorism grants to States and localities. Critical Infrastructures Protection Act of 2001 - Establishes the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center to serve as a source of national competence to address critical infrastructure protection and continuity through support for activities related to counterterrorism, threat assessment, and risk mitigation.